Bloody Sunday 50th anniversary: Thousands crowd Selma bridge

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By KIM CHANDLER and PHILLIP LUCAS

SELMA, Ala. (AP) -- Thousands of people crowded an Alabama bridge on Sunday to commemorate a bloody confrontation 50 years ago between police and peaceful protesters that helped bring about the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

A day after President Barack Obama had walked atop the Edmund Pettus Bridge, many jammed shoulder to shoulder, many unable to move, as they recalled the civil rights struggle.

Police said at least 15,000 to 20,000 people had joined the crush on and around the small bridge. Many came around the country for several events commemorating the landmark moment.

William Baldwin, 69, of Montgomery, brought his two grandsons, ages 11 and 15, to the bridge Sunday so they could grasp the importance of the historic march he took part in a half century earlier.

FULL story at link. Video from yesterday: http://launch.newsinc.com/share.html?trackingGroup=92351&siteSection=bigstory_hom_non_non_dynamic_wire_ap&videoId=28694541



President Barack Obama, fourth from left, walks holding hands with Amelia Boynton Robinson, who was beaten during "Bloody Sunday," as they and the first family and others including Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga, left of Obama, walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala,. for the 50th anniversary of the landmark event of the civil rights movement, Saturday, March 7, 2015. At far left is Sasha Obama and at far right is former first lady Laura Bush. Adelaide Sanford also sits in a wheelchair. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SELMA_50TH?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2015-03-08-16-25-39

[Marrah_G]

1. This picture vrings tears to my eyes

[libdem4life]

2. Me, too. What an massive production this 50th Anniversary was. No one from

then, or the younger ones who were not yet born, will forget this. Even those who may have differences, I feel sorry for them to have to harden their hearts if they are not just a bit softened with history, rather than resentment. I have not seen the movie, but plan to.

I believe that it is a Sea Change in how race is seen in America. Just like I think that President Obama's speech regarding LGBT caused a major change that empowered that movement. He has made extraordinary contributions to our history and culture. And the absolute class of his entire family, the evident love and respect and a strong family unit.

[hopemountain]

4. much appreciation for the president acknowledging

the areas in our society where by the civil rights movement in selma has contributed to the progress tolerance on so many levels. two steps or even one step forward is still forward. nice post, libdem4life, thank you.

[libdem4life]

9. Amen.

[yallerdawg]

3. History!

You would not believe the gut-wrenching emotion of these 2 days in Selma. Yesterday, my family and I stood on Broad Street 2 blocks from the bridge with thousands and thousands. The reverence, respect and love of all these people was unbelievable.

These are days of remembrance and commemoration.

Those 600 people who marched to the top of that bridge 50 years ago, and saw what was waiting for them on the other side, and still went on --- I have no words.

Like President Obama said, it was truly uniquely exceptionally American.

The best of us.

But trust me. The march goes on. Michael Brown's body lying on the streets of Ferguson. The cold dead hateful hearts are still here.

There is much work to be done.

[hopemountain]

5. how unforgettable the experience, i'm sure.

thank you for sharing it with us. there is no going back, now.

[yallerdawg]

6. We will never forget.

Thanks to you and Omaha Steve for remembering.

And all the other DU'ers!

[hopemountain]

7. standing in one's power - truth -

is most unforgettable, yallerdog.

[BumRushDaShow]

8. One of the local papers said > 70,000

http://www.selmatimesjournal.com/2015/03/08/70000-attend-bridge-crossing-could-take-hours/

With the crowds, my concern was with that bridge. It was apparently inspected in 2008 (haven't found any info on inspections since then).